Legendary Musician to “Rock Greenville” for Special Places

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities in honor of its hometown, Greenville, SC, announced a special benefit concert featuring legendary rocker Chuck Leavell fresh off the highly successful Rolling Stones “A Bigger Bang Tour” of Europe. All monies raised will go to benefit Upstate Forever, Spartanburg Area Conservancy, The Conestee Foundation, Friends of the Reedy River and Naturaland Trust — the region’s local land trusts.

“Chuck has been at the heart of Rock and Roll for more than thirty years,” said U.S. Endowment President Carlton Owen, “but what many don’t know is that he’s also at the forefront of conservation and land stewardship. He recently donated a conservation easement on a portion of his beloved Charlane Plantation in Georgia and has won numerous awards for his leadership including twice being named National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year. We are delighted that Chuck, a member of the U.S. Endowment’s Board of Directors, will help us give back to the Upstate in this special way.”

Scheduled for Saturday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Greenville’s Centre Stage, this one-night only performance will provide the audience with a unique and intimate opportunity to interact with one of rock-n-rolls most sought-after keyboardists. Leavell has played with some of music’s biggest names including the Allman Brothers Band, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Black Crowes and Train. He has been playing and touring with the Rolling Stones for more than 25 years and appears on their most recent CD. The accolades from his fellow Stones include: “Chuck brings a lot to the band…he’s a terrific arranger and keyboardist.” Mick Jagger and “(Without Chuck)…the Stones would not be the Stones.” Keith Richards.

On October 1 tickets went on public sale. General admission is $100 with a limited number of VIP tickets for $250. VIP packages include a front row seat, a private reception with Chuck, an autographed copy of his book Between Rock and a Home Place and a CD. To reserve seats for this unique experience call Gretchen Wilson at 864-250-0500 or email her at gwilson@upstateforever.org.

This Special Evening is made possible by the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities and sponsored by Wal-Mart and Brett Communications. Generous gifts by the Greenville Community Foundation, The Conservation Fund and our special media sponsor, the Link, will ensure that all ticket sales accrue to benefit land conservation in the Upstate.